Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for various equipment purchases and home modifications under the independent living plan through VA’s VR&E program is remanded due to incomplete documentation, lack of a Vocational Rehabilitation evaluation, and unavailability of certain records. The AOJ must ensure all relevant documents are obtained and associate them with the claims file.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's service-connected disc disease of the lumbar spine with hemangiolipoma of the thoracic spine and cervical spine are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right knee disabilities, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and multi-level degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The remaining issues on appeal regarding dental compensation and treatment are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, including DDD, as secondary to the service-connected mechanical lumbar strain. The rating for mechanical lumbar strain prior to September 17, 2016 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right upper extremity disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran asserts these conditions are related to an April 1993 motor vehicle accident during active duty.

The Veteran's spouse is in need of aid and attendance due to her medical conditions, including osteoporosis, retinal macular degeneration, and multiple spinal issues. The Board has determined that she requires regular assistance from others to sustain herself and protect her from daily hazards.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right ankle disorders, foot disorders, asthma (respiratory disorder), right shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, left-hand disorder, right-hand disorder, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of service treatment records and need for a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed neck condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and unclear opinions regarding his ankle and cervical spine disorders. The claims will be reviewed again with additional examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and for residuals of spine tumor removal surgery, right trapezius muscle and left trapezius muscle. The Board found that there was no direct or secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for cervical sprain with degenerative changes and degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral sprain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and right lower extremity L5-S1 radiculopathy have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but the right shoulder and neck disabilities are remanded for further examination to determine if they are secondary to the now-service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine condition and remanded the issue of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, right ankle disability, and herpes. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and rating determinations. The Veteran's obesity claim is denied as it is not a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder with upper extremity radiculopathy. The appeal is now remanded to determine whether service connection should be granted for heart and hypertension disorders.,The Veteran claims that his current heart disorder and hypertension are related to his military service, presumed exposure to herbicide agents due to service in the Republic of Vietnam, or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded it for further development. The claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder and cervical strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for left knee joint osteoarthritis has been granted.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a neck disability, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.,Service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are also being remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder injury residuals, including rotator cuff tendinitis, are granted. The left shoulder disability and weight gain issues remain pending for further evaluation. The lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and neck injury residuals ratings are remanded.